Cinderella would have a hard time picking from among the thousands of glass pumpkins for sale at the Glass Pumpkin Patch at Santana Row. But whichever one she bought would help keep glass art in the area.

The Bay Area Glass Institute will set up the patch in San Jose Oct. 9-11, in addition to one at the Palo Alto Art Center for the 20th year.

Nine local artists and studios have breathed life into the whimsical, hand-blown pumpkins for the inaugural outdoor sale at Santana Row.

“Each one is unique, and they come in an array of magical colors,” said Damon Gustafson, executive director for the nonprofit glass institute. “Every artist has their own tricks and secrets.”

Some can be found in traditional shades of orange, while others are spotted, unconventional colors, or even iridescent. Some are large, some slightly misshapen, some simple and some very ornate.

Profits from the sales will go toward helping the institute cover operating costs so it can continue to offer an affordable workspace for local glass blowers, fusers and torch workers, and provide classes to the public.

Money is particularly important this year because the institute needs to move from its 15-year home in the Japantown area of San Jose, which is slated to become housing, Gustafson said.

The organization’s board has its eye on moving to History San Jose, but continuing to operate at its current site while a new facility is built could cost almost $500,000. The big move is expected to happen early next year.

“It’s going to be a huge benefit, and we’re counting on this to help us move,” Gustafson said.

The Bay Area Glass Institute was in danger of closing in previous years but new strategies, corporate events and parties helped the nonprofit get back on its feet.

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